Des Linden

Des Linden grew up in San Diego and discovered distance running as a way to test her limits and her resolve. She graduated from Arizona State University and turned professional in 2006, launching one of the longest and most respected careers in American distance running. Known for her durability, candor and no-nonsense approach to the sport, Linden has built a reputation as an athlete who thrives when conditions are toughest.

She is best known for winning the 2018 Boston Marathon, a race run in punishing cold, wind and rain that highlighted her trademark grit and tactical patience. The victory made her the first American woman to win Boston in more than three decades. Linden is also a two-time Olympian and has represented the United States on multiple world championship teams. In 2021, she expanded her résumé by setting a world record in the 50-kilometer distance, underscoring her range and longevity as she moved beyond traditional marathoning.

Over nearly two decades at the elite level, Linden has become a respected voice in the sport, admired not only for her performances but also for her advocacy for clean competition, athlete longevity and mental resilience. She has been open about the realities of professional running, including injuries, setbacks and the discipline required to stay competitive year after year, earning her a loyal following well beyond the running community.

Linden is the author of "Choosing to Run," an inspirational memoir that weaves her personal story with reflections on motivation, perseverance and the daily decision to keep showing up. The book mirrors her approach to racing: honest, practical and grounded in hard-earned experience.

A self-described bourbon and coffee aficionado, Linden lives in Michigan with her husband, Ryan, and their dogs, Atlas and Boston. Whether competing, writing or speaking, she continues to influence the sport by redefining what it means to endure, adapt and keep running on one’s own terms.